VW Engine Stalling Problem Leads to 281,000 Vehicle Recall

Volkswagen (VW) has announced a recall of 281,000 vehicles due to loss of electrical power to the fuel pump control computer. This can stop gas from flowing and make the engine stop. This can also make the fuel pump keep running after the vehicle is turned off, reports the Daily Hornet.

The recall affects Passat sedans and wagons from 2006 through 2010, as well as the CC from model years 2009 through 2016. All vehicles that have been recalled have 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Owners will be notified by the auto manufacturer concerning this problem in October and send a second letter indicating when replacement computers will be available. Car dealers will perform the exchange of computers free of charge, and move them to an area less susceptible to heat and mechanical stress.

No reports of crashes or injuries have been linked to the problem at this time, according to VW.

NHTSA Statement

Last year, Chinese authorities conducted an investigation that prompted a recall in that country, which led to the United States recall, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Daily Hornet reports.

“Under specific operating conditions, an interruption in the electrical power supply to the fuel pump control module can result in fuel pump failure and lead to a loss of vehicle motive power while driving (vehicle stall),” the NHTSA documents said.

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VW Vehicle Recall in China

Over 1.8 million Volkswagen cars are being recalled in China due to the faulty fuel pump issue. China’s consumer watchdog reports the recall affected vehicles made by VW and its two Chinese joint ventures with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) and FAW (First Automobile Works). The vehicle makers will replace the fuel pump control modules at no charge to the vehicle owner beginning in December, according to BBC News.

It was not immediately clear if it was part of a previously announced global recall. This recall affects Magotans made between 2007 and 2014 and the CC produced in China by FAW-Volkswagen between 2009 and 2014, along with the 2011-2015 Passat manufactured by SAIC Volkswagen. Approximately 19,000 imported models are also affected, reports the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Prior Recalls in China

It seems VW became aware of the most recent defect after an investigation by Chinese authorities that started in April 2016. This new recall is the latest embarrassment for the world’s biggest car manufacturer. VW recalled almost 680,000 Audi automobiles in China in March due to defects in coolant pumps that could lead to engine fires. In May, FAW recalled nearly 580,000 Golf and Sagitar cars due to a headlight fuse defect.

“Dieselgate”

The Volkswagen company is still fighting its way back from the controversy after admitting that it had installed “cheat” devices in its diesel cars to circumvent emissions tests. In mid-September 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation to Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America (collectively VW) for failure to comply with Clean Air Act regulations. Around 11 million VW vehicles were affected worldwide by that scandal, including close to 1.2 million in the United Kingdom (U.K.), and about 550,000 vehicles in the U.S.

In March VW pleaded guilty to charges stemming from “dieselgate” including fraud, obstruction of justice, and falsifying statements. The company agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties, as well as $17.5 billion in compensation and repairs for owners, reports BBC News.

The agreement is “tough, strong, and consumer oriented,” notes Consumer Report. It is significantly larger than the civil penalties paid by other automakers, specifically the more than $2 billion General Motors has paid so far over faulty ignition switches and the $1.4 billion Toyota paid over acceleration issues, according to The New York Times.

In addition, VW still faces legal challenges in Germany and worldwide. It has set aside over $24.4 billion to cover costs, and the final tab from the scandal may be even higher.

In June, VW announced it would offer a two-year guarantee for the cars in Europe that it is modifying. Some U.K. consumers have complained that the modifications have affected reliability and performance.

Legal Information and Advice for Volkswagen Recall Issues

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance regarding a recalled vehicle, Parker Waichman offers free, no-obligation case evaluations. We urge you to contact our lawyers at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).